BX

Class bY,5^<\5_ Book J^"3/\5_

LETTER

TO 1 31 £

CORPORATION

TRINITY-CHURCH, N E W- T 0 R K;

ACCOMPANIED WITH CQV1E;}

OP SUNDRY PAPERS AND DOCUMENT.

RELATIVE TO THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH

At H U D S 0 N i—

By the late RECTOR o? that Church.

.<*\*\/s^./%/\y^N/%/\y\/s/\r./\/\/,\/\^w

t; What is this World? thy School, 0. Misery !

" Our only Lesson is to learn to suffer ;

" And he who knom mi that, was born for Nothing^'

3X ff *;

5i-5-^^€-

I PREPARED for the Prcfs, and to be v

i |i

> pubiiihed in due time the 1ft Volume of \

[| a Twelve Tears Experience and Viewoi sj

j$ Men and Things, interfperfed with an- v

| ecdotes and illuftrations, Clerical, Poli- |]

j| tical, Medical, Mafonical and Agricul- \\

X "- £

s tural ; with jfo* Sermons, critical and s

^ appropriate to each order: the Volume y

V

By WALTER CLARKE GARDINER, j

| divided into jive parts, and dedicated to sj

s ^/fzxr eminent charaflers, who aflifted the s|

!$ S-

15 author in his trials and refeaTches. c|

f$ Citizen $

| of the United States of America : %

\ - i

\ To which is affixed s

2 (Imported anc* Domeftic) £ s

5

A DifTertation on the amazing encreafe s

of Mushrooms and Toad-Eaters,

1

To /fo Corporation <?f Trinity-Church, New-Yorjc,

Gentlemen,

1 HE period has arrived when it becomes necedary for me to requeft your attention to the following lads ; from which you will perceive my unwearied endeavours to effect an Fpifpocal E ftablifhment at Hudfon. 1 o car- ry into execution fo defirable event, I was influenced to remove from Cats-Kill, where in the exercife of medical practice, an opportunity prefented of maintaining my family with fatis faction and credit.

After being regularly inducted the Minifter at Hud- fon, it was agreed as a general principle, that as I had come to live in the Parifh my yearly allowance fhould be double what it was when 1 occafionally vifited them from the town of Cats-Kill, viz. £ ioo. As the fum was in itfelf fmall, and foon discovering' from the duties of the place, 1 mould evince to my beloved parifnioncrs how juftly I ihould deferve the fum, I required no written agreement, but left a fenfc uJ juflice and requital on their own confciences. I was the more eafy on this head, as Doctor Talman, Warden of the Church Society, Hudfon, had fignined to me his intention to leave his ex- tenfive practice, and remove to the ci!y of Kew-York, and who had, of Ms own accord, prepared me for his fuc- ceffor, in that line. Dr. Talman did remove, and cer- tainly left me in riling practice ; but the Yellow Fevcr% in a few weeks, induced the Doctor to return with his fick family to Hudfon ; and I of my own ace rd refigned to him the full poiTefiion of my bufinefs ; fatisfied with his irienciihip, and forry that his removal had been fo impropitious. "1 his event, Gentlemen, was the more to be regretted by me, as 1 had a few tlavs before the lec- tor's return intimated to the ( hurch people, a belief that from my encouragement as a phyfician, I fliould not call for any miniiterial fupport, till imperious necetlity made it expedient. Thus was I left at Dr. 1 's return, with- out practice and without an immediate falary ; and at a time too, when gy&ij exertion was in force to build a

Church

Church and fix an Epifcopal Eftablifhment; to encourage the laudable undertaking, I had declared to the fubfcri- bers, if they would fign generouily, I would be generous alfo. As I had determined to refide at Hudfon, and be- ing at the Epifcopal Convention at New-York, I under* flood that the Corporation of Trinity -Church had it in contemplation to make a general appropriation to the country churches; and from the eligible fituation of Hud- fon, our calculations for a generous fupport, from your honorable Body, was well explained and mod ardently expected. Our progreflive petitions to the Corporation correfponded to our expectations ; but the iffue proved we had petitioned for one favor, and we had granted to us another. Had my unwearied applications to your Body, for feveral months, been attended to, (after the money was loaned to me for Hudfon Church) muchpaft diilrefs might have been prevented me and my poor and tender family ; but it was the opinion of my vene- rable Diocefan, Bifhop Provoofl, to whom I frequently fubmitted my Kecords, petitions and attefled papers, (as the Chairman of your honorable Body) that it would anfwer no immediate *good purpofe to lay them before you. He therefore regularly returned them to me (af- ter, I believe confulting fome gentlemen of your Stand- ing Committee) and with that tendernefs and fympathy which as a gentleman and Chriltian he invariably mani- felled, always accompanied the return of the papers^ with a requefl that I would preferve them carefully for future Infpeclion. After receiving fuch documents and advice from Dr. Provoofl, I waited on Doctor Moore, with all the material papers that concerned me and the Hudfon Church, and left them for 24 hours for his and the Rev. Mr. Biflett's perufal ; that hereafter, mould it be necef- fary they might teftify to the identi ty of fuch papers, in my ultimate appeal to yourBodyorthe World for the dillribu- tion of the money loaned me for Hudfon Church —After an abfence of four years from New-York, I laft month pafTecl thro' the city and paid my refpe&s to Doctor Beach and to Bifhop Moore, they both informed me that reports of a very difagreeable nature were in circulation againfl my honor and honefly ; and that the members of the Church at Hudson, fpcke of me with contempt and abhorrence, for the manner in which I had treated their Eftablifh- ment. My apology to thofe gentlemen not being fatis-

fadtory ;

factory, I promifed Do&or Beach, and aflured Bifhop Moore, that whenever I had refted on my native fhore, with my fick family, from a long and expenfive journey, I would addrefs a letter to the Corporation of Trinity- Church, a copy of which letter I would fend them.

As you are the only Corporate Body with whom I can fettle the bufmefs of the Two Thousand Dollars, it is a great confolotion to me, that amidft all my difirefies of a mental, bodily, and pecuniary nature (the certain wages of every gofpel Minifter) I can appeal to the hearts of men, who have rifen into wealth and efteem by labor and flerling merit in your refpective profefiicns ; and Tome of whom can feelingly remember how arduous their exertions have been, and Hill are, to gain an honed independence and an approving confcience.

The following documents are from the Identical Pa- pers, Records, and Vouchers, that I once fubmitted to Dr. Provooft and Dr. Moore : the Originals are carefully pre- ferred, to correct any mifreprefentations, or to repel any unjuft accufations. In this capricious age there is no other way for a man to a£t, and it accords with that lure maxim " That the injured never forget," but that thofe who injure have commonly very bad memories !

Believing you to be the faithful guardians of property originally intended for " the purchafe of Glebes and for the fupport and accommodation of F.pifcopal Clergymen for the time being" that were or fhall be in union with the " Rites, Ceremonies and Principles of the Corporation of Trinity-Church" I with pleafure fubmit the fubfe^ quent ftatements to your confideration :

And am, with fentiments of refpecl,

Your much injured but faithful Servant,

W. C. GARDINER,

At a meeting of the Epifcopal Society at Hudfon, duly

notified according to law, and prefent at the City-HalL

a quorum for bufmefs, being Thurfday, Aug. 7, 1794^

THE act of the Legiilature of this State, letting

Forth the manner of organizing Religious Societies being

read, the gentlemen prefent proceeded in conformity

thereto

thereto, appointing by ballot two returning officers to receive the votes of the electors for Truftees, when Capt. Pel eg Thurston and Doctor Henry Malcolm, were chofen. The fenfe of the members being taken, it was una- niraouilv voted that the following perfons be the Truf- tees, William H Ludlow, John Pennoyer, David Smvb% Pclcg 7 button, Henry Malcolm, Thomas Harrison, John Hewitt, James Bmrke, and Benjamin Fairchilds. The Society then chofe Mr. John Powell and Dr. John Tai- wan, Wardens.

At a meeting of the Fpifcopal Society of Hudfon, held

this day by adjournment at the City-Hall, Aug. 17,

1794.

THK-RE being a full meeting for bufmefs, amo- tion then being made and feconded, that this fociety do give themfelves a name, as well for their own intereft as a due compliance to the exifting law of the ftate, by which the Truftees and Congregation fo named, fhall by fuch act and deed be deemed a body corporate, and have perpetual fucceflion. Accordingly the name of Christ- Church, Union- Church, and St. Paul's-Cburcb, were duly propofed. The votes being taken and count- ed by the Wardens, it appeared in favor of Christ- Church, by a majority of five.

THE Society then refolved to unite to the doctrine and difcipline of the Proteflant Epifcopal- Church of the United States of America, as ratified in General Con- vention of Bifhops, Clergy and Laity, in the city of Phi- ladelphia, from Sept. 29, to Oct. 16, 1789.

It was then voted and refolved, that Chrift-Church, Hudfon, adopt the rules and regulations of the Epifcopal- Church of New- York, and pay unto the Right Reverend Samuel Provooft all canonical obedience, and acknow- ledge him their Diocefan. This was done by the una- nimous voice of the members prtfent.

The Senior Warden taking the chair, propofed the election and induction of their Minifter. The motion being received, it was voted and refolved unanimously, that the Reverend Walter Clarke Gardiner, be and he is hereby appointed Rector of the Epifcopal-Church of Hudfon.

JFrom

7

From the Records, page 24, 25. This day (June 25, 1795) the Hev. W. C. Gardiner, by fpecial invitation, refided with his family at Hudfon, and on ^unday July 5, a meeting of the Congregation was held at the City-Hall, after two weeks regular noti- fication, for :he exprefs purpofe of reorganizing the F'ptfcopal Society, agreeable to a late act of the (late granted to the Epifcopal-Church in the ftate of New- York, whereby they are authorifed to elect and futf- flitute Veftrymen for Truflees, and o'her indigen- cies, under certain legal reftrictions. A lib to regularly induct and fettle their Minifter, appoint Veftrymen and Chorifter, elect their Wardens, and devife the mode of proceeding relative to laying the foundation of Chrift- Church, on the lot lately conceded to them by exchange with Thomas Jenkins, Lfquire, and to appoint a Com- mittee, in conjunction with the Minifter, to fuperintend the building of faid Church, and forwarding the fubferip- tion for the fame.

Accordingly William H. Ludlovj, Efq. taking the the Chair, the Congregation nominated and unanimoufly Vo^ed Walter Clarke Gardiner their Minifter, during his and their pie af tire.

John Powell and H. L, Hosmer were unanimonfly elected Wardens, and William H. Ludlow, John Pen- noyer, .David Smith, Peleg T&urs/on, Henry Malcolm, Jjhn Hewitt, James Hyatt, and Delucena Backus, were unanimoufly elected Veftrymen, and John Powell, Cho- rifter or Clerk of the Church. The Committee to fuper- intend the building of the Chu-ch, are for the prefent year. William Q. Ludlow,

Peleg Thurston, James Hyait.

1795 Auguft 6. — Records page 28.

This day the Minifter, Wardens and 5 of the Veftry with the Mayor of the City, ftaked out the Lot belonging to the Epifcopal Society being 90 feet by 70.

Auguft 10. This day A. M. 6, the Minifter Walter C. Gardiner in prefence offeveral gentlemen of the So- ciety laid the corner-llone of Chrift-Church Hudfon,\vith a fhort but heart-felt ejaculation, that Almighty God

WOULD BLESS THE WoRK AND ADVANCE THE CHRIS- TIAN Religion therein ! ! *795*

*795> Dec- 3- — 7-page 31. This day the Rev. Mr. Gardiner arrived at New- York, and agreeable to requefl of the Committee of his Churchy prefented the following letter to Bishop Provoost, as pre- sident of the Corporation of Trinity-Church.

To the honorable the Veflry of Trinity-Church.

Gentlemen, Being appointed a Committee tofuperintend the build- ing of a Church for the Epifcopal Society of Hudfon — » to report the progrefs of faid building, and theexpences which will arife to its being externally finifhed. — We have either by ourfelves or proxy, with unremitting dili- gence effected thedeiire of our Society in beholding the Edifice now covering— in having exhaufled the fums fubfci ibed by our anxious and zealous citizens and with all pofiible exactitude reported the expences to the ex- ternal completion to be rifingof £ 1200.

From this report of their Committee the Society have renewed their defire that we would ftiil act in their be- half and reprefent them by petition to your Board for re- lief by pecuniary afTiftance, in order to nnifn their ardu- ous and chriflian undertaking.

It is therefore with pleafure we addrefs you in their Head, from a belief of your compliance to aififl us when the following flatement is received, viz. That the city of Hudfon has this prefent year encreafed very confide- rably, and contains among an induflrious people, 3 orga- nized Religious Societies, an Epifcopal Prefbyterian, and that of Friends. The 2 latter have, from the donations of their brethren abroad and exertions at home compleat- ed two commodious and lightly Edifices for the worfhip of God. — 2dly. That the Epifcopal Society embraces a very diftingui fried and refpe£table portion of the eity of Hudfon, who have ftatedly kept up their worfhip, have inade ufe of great exertions among themfelves, and ex- naufled the means of doing more ; and now look up for the moil timely aid from the church of New-York. — 3dly. From the knowledge of the ability of Trinity- Church their known orthodoxy and charitable intention?? toward the weaker churches, who have fcood firm in the Epifcopal Faith, and are flriving to be more extenfively ufe ful.— 4th ly. From knowing, mofl certainly that your glinting us a moiety of your abundance will be gratify- ing

ing the departed fouls in the communion of Saints, who originated to their everlafting praife and the churches glory, your funds of piety and chanty — will ftrengthen our hopes, revive our joy, reward our labors, adorn our city with a refpeclable Church and congregation, and ena- ble us foon to make our triumph yours ; and laftly from a conviction if you withdraw the fpeedy hand of pecuniary relief we sink to rise no more ! then will be the reign of faction and the triumph of slanderous unbelief We there- fore, honorable brethren, afk in behalf, and by defire of our Society for the fum of Twelve Hundred Pounds to nnifh our church : this fum (like water to the parching earth) will, with our own arrangements, fix our church for consecration by the firft of June next, and the rents of our pews will fully enable us to fupport the man, vjhose labor for us has already been incessant ! Our prayer, is gentlemen, that you will aflift us to decorate the True Daughter oj Zicn, and when the Father ofHEAVEM maketh up his Jewels may you be rewarded as faithful Stewards ! !

Being gentlemen, with great confideration.

Your Humble Servants, William H. Ludlow, ) Committee Peleg Thurston, V of

James Hyatt, ) Christ Church.

Nov, 28, 1795.

1796, January. — Kecords, page 33. The Rev. Mr. Gardiner fpent the molt of this month at New- York, in foliciting afliftance for Chrift-Church. Hudfon ; — and while there preached occafionally for the Bifhop and Clergy of Trinity-Church. He returned by the way of Khode-lfland, through Connecticut, to Hud- fon, Feb. 2 ill following, (endeavouring in that long route ot 300 miles, to hire fome money for Hudfon Church, among his friends) to meet the demand of the Bank at Hudfon. — — See the following letter :

Hudson, January 12L&, 1796. Dear Sir, In expreffing the anxiety of the members of our Church .at large, and that of your friend Mr. Peleg Thurfton in particular, permit me to add my own, upon an occafion fo intereftmg to our mutual credit and welfare, as a reli- gious ibciety. — You know the atuatioa in which your

obligation

zo

obligation in behalf of the Church was left— that it was underftood, and known to the members of the Bank here, that though you appeared as the drawer, the in- tention was that you were to be fupported by the fociety, and you know that their the latter's confidence in the promifed afliftance from New- York, in a great meafure emboldened their undertaking. — Your letter to Mr. Thurfton, dated the 2d November laft, afforded us the moft lively fatisfa&ion, and with pleafure we mentioned it to the mechanics and others ; about this time the Note became due, yourfelf and indorfer were abfent— what was to be done f— feeling for our own, and your individual credit, we endeavoured to prevail on Mr. tlifha Jenkins to become the drawer, and Mr. Thurfton offered to indorfe, but the former pofitively refufed, and Mr. Thurfton finally affirmed the note, and the whole amount was accommodated 'till the fucceeding period — fay the next fifty-four days. — ^ow, dear Sir, much time having elapfed fince the receipt of your letter al- ready mentioned, and the only one received fince your departure, and the Note progreifing faft to its next extent of credit, and a pofitive affiirance that it will not be again accommodated, I have to reprefentto you the feelings of your friend Mr. Thurfton in particular (as drawer ot the Note in your ftead) and to requeft that if any unforefeen accident, or circumfiance, has, and ftill continues co pre- vent your coming in perfon, with the promifed afliftance, that you will be fo good as to write to Mr. Thurfton or myfelf, and point out fome efficient means for our re- lief, and I truft you will not fufFer thofe of oppofite views (if you have it in your power to prevent it) to fneer at our undertaking. — Pardon the freedom with which I now exprefs myfelf to you — tie occafion is preifing — and I requeft you to believe that while my motives are governed by regard for the Church, they cannot be un- friendly to you — with compliments oi Mrs. Malcolm and myfelf to Mrs. Gardiner.

I am, dear fir, Your affiired friend,

Henry Malcolm.

P. S. We have concluded if you do not arrive, or we

do not receive fatisfa&ory information from you within

fourteen or fifteen days, to call a meeting of the Church,

and appoint a perfon to go to New-York,, and lay before

the

It

the Corporate Body of the Church there, a ftate of our affairs, and entreat for their immediate aflift ance, 10 ena- ble us to remove our prefent embarraflments at leaft, and if nothing more can be done, to leave the Church to its fate.

Doctor W. C. Gardiner.

mtm - QTi - M|W|

EASTER.

At a meeting of the Minifter, Wardens and Veftry, and Congregation of Chrifl-Church, Hudfon, convened after due notification — being met, and having ex- changed the felicitations of the Anniverfary of the Refurrection of our mofl blefled Lord and Saviour, agreeable to the ancient ufage of the Apoflolical Epif- copal Church : —

W E proceeded to .the choice of Wardens and Vef- try, for the year enfuing. — The minifter choie John Powell the Senior, and the Veftry, chofe Hezekiah L. Hofmer, Efq. their Junior Warden?— and then proceed- ed, in conjunction with the Congregation, and elected. the following Gentlemen the Veftry for the year enfuing: William H. Ludlow, Efquire, of Clavarack; and MefTrs. Peleg Thurfton, John Pennoyer, David Smith, Henry Malcolm, John Talman, John Hewitt, and James Hyatt.

Mr. John Powell was re-elected Clerk of the Church, and Meffrs* Ludlow, Thurfton and Hyatt, continued the Committee for fuperintending the building of the

Church. Alfo Voted and Kefolved, by this Board,

that the above Committee be earneflly requested to call in, infpect and arrange, every bill, account and demand, againft the Church, and report to this Board at their next meeting.

After the above proceedings— We adjourned sine die 9 Witnefs,

W. C. GARDINER, Clerk,

At a meeting of the Minifter, Wardens and Veftry, of

Chrift-Church, Hudfon, convened after due notice

ift Sunday after Eafter, being April 3, 1796.

THE above Board was called, in confequence of the

alarming ftate of the temporalities of faid Church, and

to devife ways and means to extricate the fame from the

impending threatnings of the workmen and creditors of

B faid

12

faid church—- to receive the report of their committee—- and to confult ori and fend forward a fpeedy petition to the Hon. the Corporation of Trinity-Church New* York, entreating that the money recently granted Chrifl-Church, Hudfon, toward the eflablifhment of a glebe and permanent maintainance of a pallor, may be immediately appropriated to pay off the workmen and creditors of the church, for their work done on faid build- ing, and money lent toward the completion of the fame. Accordingly Capt- P. Thurflon, and Mr. James Hyatt, the acting perfons ©f the Committee, reported, that as far as they have been able to invefligate, they are of opi- nion— the following flatement to be nearly the true flate of the debts and demands of faid Church.

Dr. Chrifl-Church in account current with the Commit- tee,

Dr. Cr.

£ 1444 o 81 £632 11 n|

Contingencies, 5 "17 4 Remains due, 8 17 8 1

In full, £ 1450 00* £ 1450 o o|

April 4th, 1796. April ^tb% 1796.

The Committee further reported, that they have, on hand, materials fufficient for the compleat external finifh- ing of the Church, and about one-third of the infide thereof :— All which materials are paid for in the above flatement of £ 1450 o 01 ; and further the Commit- tee faith not.

W. C. Gardiner, Clerk.

Wherefore, on motion Foted, that the thanks of this Board be given to the Committee, for their exertion and expences, until better fatisfaclion can be rendered.

Voted, That the Committee of Chrifl-Church be hereby author ifed and requeiled, to addrefs the Bifhop and Standing Committee of Trinity-Church, New- York, (inclofmg a copy of the above flatement and record-^— certified by them, and the Minifler of faid Church).and entreat the faid Corporation for immediate relief.

Voted and Eefolved, That Doctor Walter C.Gardiner, the Minifler of faid Church, and Mr. John Kemper, lpc and they are hereby authorised and requefled, both or

either

*3

either of them, to wait on the Bifhop and Committee of Trinity-Church, with the proceedings of this Board, and to ufe their utmoft exertion to procure immediate afiift- ance, and they are hereby empowered to receive all the monies granted by the faid Corporation to Chrift-Church, and to receipt for the fame, and to account to this Board as foon as pofiible after their return.

The above and preceding paifed as unanimous Votes and Refolves of the above Board. Witnefs,

W. C. Gardiner, Minister of said Church. William H. Ludlow,} Peleg Thurston, > Committee.

James Htatt, )

John Powell, > Wardens of H. L. Hosmer, 5 Christ-Church. — -)> — Hudson Records — pages 4^, 42, 43. On the 5th April, Mr. Gardiner and Mr. Kemper fat off for New- York, and on the 8th prefented the fol- lowing letter to the Bifhop in behalf of the committee of their church. Right Reverend and Honourable Gentlemen,

Hudson, April 5, 1796. WE being appointed a Committee for the completion of the Epifcopal Church, now building, and finding from an accurate arrangement of expences, the impofiibility of ever extricating ourfelves, and the Congregation of faid Church, from the embarrafsments in which we are refpe&ively placed, by our fanguine exertions to build the fame, arifmg already from an united demand of nearly Nine Hundred Pounds over and above our fubfeription and joint advancement by all poilible methods. And being impreffed at this time with your late generous ap- propriations of £ 800 for our ufe, under particular reftric- tions, for which, may the kind and bountiful giver of eve- ry good and perfect gift reward you ! Under thefe con- iiderations (and agreeable to the enclofed proceedings) we therefore moft urgently requeft, that you will conde- fcend to confer with the perfons who now wait on you with our letter and papers ; and may it be in your difpo- fition to appropriate the above fum to the discharging the debts of our Church now building, and thereby enable us to compleat the fame* Such is the critical fituation of our Parilh that in no other way will your kind donation

14

be of fervice to us ; but by transferring it to our more needy and ultimately more beneficial ufe. Without it, Gentlemen, we can neither have a Church, Minifter, or Congregation a month longer ! by now receiving it, we can by the rent: of the pews, effect the wiihes of our fouls in beholding our Church by the return of winter com* pleated and thereby have abundant reafon to glorify Gob in the Epifcopal faith and Worfhip, and blefs our earthly benefactors.-

The reverend Mr. Gardiner, will from his peculiar and official station, communicate whatever is further ne« ceflary on this trying and momentous occafion of our pe- titioning. His assiduity, faithfulness and concern toward the Epifcopal Eflablifhment, at this place, can only be squalled by the dreadful difappointment that mull inevi- tably enfue to us all, in the Hon. Corporation refuting either to grant or loan us fufRcient to immediately dis- charge our pecuniary . obligations. Having too great a confidence in you gentlemen, to expecl a denial, and to- tally unable to withftand fuch an event— -We are, Right Reverend,

and Hon. Gentlemen,

Your obliged fervants, Committee of the C William H. Ludlow, Episcopal Church <Peleg Thurston, Hudson. (James Hyatt.

In confequence of the above letter, and repeated £on- ferences with the Bifhop, Committee and influential Gen- tlemen of Trinity-Church, on the part of Mr. Gardiner (Mr. Kemper having returned to Hudfon difheartened) —The Corporation, by their Committee (after twice re- fufmg) at tail granted the fum of £800, to Chrift Church, Mr. Gardiner being obliged to give bonds for the faithful application of faid money, under a certain reftriction.

1796, May 1 y — Records, page 48. A meeting of the Wardens and Vefhy of Chrift Church, Hudfon, being called, by requeft of the Com- mittee, to confer on the manner of receiving the money loaned to them by the Corporation of Trinity-Church, New-York : They affembled at the houfe of the Rev. W. C. Gardiner ; and after a full difcuflion of the bufi- nefs, the queftion was put to each gentlemen prefent

by

*5

by tie Minifter, " Sir, -will you receive the money un- " der the ftipulation propofed by the Standing Com- l% mittee of the Corporation of Trinity *Ghurch, viz. " To fubftitute your bond, and take up mine ?" The gentlemen prefent, to the number of 13, individually refused to fubftitute their bond for the one given ; and the money was left in the hands, and at the discretion of the Minifter, W. C. Gardiner.

A true Record : Attest,

W. C. Gardiner, Rector fc? Clerk.

1797, March 5.— Records pages 56, 57. At a meeting of the Minifter, Wardens and Veftry, of Chrift-Church, Hudfon, convened after regular notifi- cation at the place of worihip.— Prefent; Rev. Waiter C. Gardiner, Ke£tor. John Powell and H. L. HoTmer, Wardens.

} John Pennoyer, David 5mith,Peleg Thurfton, Veftry, > John Hewitt, James Hyatt, and Henry Mal- } colm.

And feveral of the Congregation. The above meeting was called to confer on the pre- fent ftate of the temporalities of the church, and to hear the propofals of James Hyatt, for the completion of the Edifice — and $lfo to appoint a committee to afcertain the tru& cdndifibn of affairs, by calling in, examining and reporting, the debts, dues and demands, by fub- fcription, contribution and labor, advanced on faid build- ing — when it was Voted, that the following perfons be the Committee : Peleg Thurfton, John Kemper & James Nixon, jun. It was further Refolved, That the above perfons re- port, by the next Sunday, leaving the Society at perfect liberty to accept or refufe their report, if neeefTary. After fome explanatory converfation, the above Board adjourned, to meet on the Sunday following, at the fame place.

March 12 thy 1797. At an adjourned meeting, agreeably to a ftipulation at the laft-— a number of gentlemen met — but there not being a legal quorum for bufinefs, the fame was adjourn- ed sine die.

The

i6

The Committee the next day lent for Mr. Gardiner, at thehoufe of Mr. Peleg Thurfton, and depofited with him the laid Mr. Gardiner, as Rector of the Church (and as the moft inter efted in a fettlement) all the papers, with an eftimate of all the real debts and demands ; to be laid by him, at the next regular meeting, before the Corpora- tion of Hudfon Church, for their approbation or rejec- tion ; or as documents for an ultimate fettlement with the Hon. Corporation of Trinity-Church, when his bond fhould expire in April, 1802.

N. B. I could never get another meeting of the Cor- poration.

Attest, Walter C. Gardiner, Rector.

April 16— Easter— Held Church twice, adminiftered the facrament, and by previous notification, delivered a Farewell difcourfe, to a large and affe&ed audience, from thefe words, " Judge not according to the appear- ance, but judge righteous judgment" — In the afternoon, a It is expedient for you, that I go away."

On that day, and the day following, a number of honeft men and pious members of the Church, and feve- ral others attached to my doctrines and perfon, had a conference with me, and moft cheerfully figned the fol- lowing letter ; (which letter was previoufly drawn up to be laid before the adjourned Meeting of March 12, for their signatures. J

To the Hon. the Corporation of Trinity -Church, NewTork. Gentlemen,

IT is with extreme reluctance, that the Subfcribers, as Wardens, Veftrymen and principal of the Epifcopal Society, Hudfon, do again addrefs you on the fituation of our church affairs, and nothing but the immediate profpect of the Epifcopal Eftablifhment at this place being near its diffolution, to the great grief of the wor- fhippers in that Faith, as well as to the lofs of property, which we as individuals, in conjunction with others, are about to fuflain, in confequence thereof, could have induced us, for the lafl time, to requeft your moft necef- fary afliftance.

As individuals, we have exerted all the perfonal aid in our power, and have done for the Eftabliihment, by fabfcription and contribution^ perhaps more already than

the

*7

the fituation of our growing families will juftify. The Rev. Mr. Gardiner has alfo exhaufted every poflible re- fo»rce in the bufmefs, and his unremitting fervices, either as'Minifler, Superintendant of the building, and accom- modating the debts, dues and demands, of the Eftablilh- ment, has caufed him to commit himfelf, as it were, in- evitably to expence and trouble, and has in the event involved him in behalf of the Church, in lawfuits and diftrefs, to the forrow of his friends, and perhaps irrepa- rable injury to his young family, in a ftrange land, re- mote from their near and dear connexions.

Dodlor Gardiner, with an integrity only to be equalled by his invariable zeal to the Epifcopal Church, and in- flexible attention to us, hitherto as a fmall, but needy, re- ligious fociety, has declared himfelf accountable to your hon. body, for every dollar loaned to Chrift Church, Hud- fon, in 1V1 ay laft, and we believe fully able to fatisfy your refpeclable Committee, that the money, as will appear (by ' the numerous papers, records and vouchers) has been expended towards the liquidating the debts of the Church, agreeable to the fpirit of our progreflive peti- tions, if not in Uriel: compliance to his literal inflruclicn : the alarming Hate of the building, and molt prefling and threatening clamours of fome workmen on the Church, induced him on his return, to do as he did. From the (latements and papers, as well as from the attefred re- cords of our Church (which we requeft maybe infpecled by your Committee) it will appear, that notwithstanding all we have been able to procure either by fubfeription, contribution or loan, our Church Edifice, in its prefent ftate, is indebted to individuals a confiderable fum ; and 'tis with forrow we mention it, certain workmen and others are now commencing fuits againft. the laid build- ing and Doclor Gardiner, for their refpeclive demands, which we are totally unable to palliate or avoid any longer.

Without your affiftance Gentlemen, whatever has been already done will be entirely loft, and the credit and eftabliftiment of thePreteflant Epifcopal Church in. this City, with that of our unfortunate minifter will be entirely deftroyed, to the open and fecret triumph cf the enemies to religion and focial order ; but with your' im- mediate help, all can poffibly be reitored to its priiline condition and efficacy. We therefore meft ardently

entreat

i8

entreat of you, Gentlemen, to grant our Minifler a hear- ing and conference, If not for our fakes, for him and his tender offspring ; and if it be not confiftent with the rules and regulations of your honorable bcdy to take the Church, with its records, Minifter and papers, under your fpecial protection and foftering care. — May the bleffed Spirit, of every good and perfect gift, influence you to grant a fum fufficient to difcharge our prefent debts, with the cod of fuits ; — or as our laft, and moll prefling requefl, alleviate the hopelefs condition of our fuffering and faithful Minifler.

We are in behalf of the Epifcopal Eftablifhment at Hudfon — with every confideration of refpect

Right Reverend and Honorable Gentlemen, Your Humble Servants,

John Powell, Wardeny

John Pe^ivoyer,

David Smith,

John Hewett,

John Keney, l *g

William Rogers, » §

David Coope,

Benjamin Fairchild,

John Walgrove,

%

RECAP ITU LA TION.

IN the month of April 1796, die Rev. W. C.Gardi- ner then Rector of Chrift Church Hudfon, received of the Corporation of Trinity Church New- York, Two Thoufand Dollars to liquidate the exifling demands a- gainft the faid Hudfon Church : The Right Rev. Bifh- op Provooft, Samuel Johnfon, L. L. D. Prefident of the College, William Laight, Hugh Gaine and Mofes Rogers Efquires, being the Committee. The above Committee being deeply impreffed with the flatements and importunities of Mr. Gardiner in regard to Hudfon Church, granted him the faid fum of money, he being obliged to give bond for the faithful diiiribution of the fame ; although this £ 800 was originally defined for the maintainance of the faid Mr. Gardiner and his fuccefibrs as Rector of Hudfon Church, altho' Mr. Gardiner had not received from the Veihy and Congregation of Hud- fon Church, from the time of their inducting him their Minifler, to the April 1796 above mentioned, but about

fifty

*9

Thirty Pounds, although nearly Two Years had elapfed; and notwithftanding the faid Hev. W. C. Gardiner was defired by the worthy Committee above mentioned to procure the bond of the Corporation of Hudfon Church, in lieu of his the faid Gardiner's, on their receiving the benefit of the faid Two Thoufand Dollars ; or elfe to ufe the mouey on his own, and Succefibrs behalf, his bond being chargeable till April 1801. Although I fay thefe were exifting facts, yet the faid W. C. Gardiner finding by the infiduous conduct of two of the a&ing committee (the worthy William H. Ludlow ofCavarack being free of cenfure ; but entitled to great praife in this bufinefs) that they were determined to get at the money, without releafmg his the faid Gardiner's Bond ; he was deter- mined to purchafe a houfe and 60 acres of land with One Thousand Dollars of the money, and pay the other Thousand Dollars to the diftreffed workmen on faid Hudfon Church. Peleg Thurflon, and James Hyatt, two of the acting Committee, together with Nicholas Hathaway (the chief Carpenter, and who had with his feveral journeymen agreed to do the work) — hearing what the faid Mr. Gardiner was determined to do with the 2,000 dollars (thus left in his hands, as his bond was not taken up :) they had frequent and officious in- terviews with Mr. G. and moll I'olemnly allured him, that on paying Ns. Hath way's bill in full, and their blils in part, they would all proceed with alacrity to finifh the Church ; when the fale of the pews would difcharge all further exifting debts, and the rent of the pews, and a subscription, give the faid Mr. Gardiner an handfome fupport, for his cares and fervices. — A mocking, and perhaps a true detail, of the confequences that would follow to their credit, to Mr. Gardiner's honor, and to the fafety of the Epifcopal eftablimment at Hudfon, — in cafe of a refufal, was perpetually reforted to by the above perfons. Mr. Gardiner at last yielded, and paid to them the following funis : To Peleg Thurston, Three hundred dollars to pay the Bank of Hudfon, and One hundred dollars more towards his account againfr. the Church, making Dolls. 400

To Nicholas Hathaway, five hundred dollars, Dolls. 500

C To

20

- To James Hyatt, Three hundred and twenty-eight dollars, Dollars 328

and took their receipts and folemn promifes !

The above three perfons conducted in the following manner afterwards :— Mr. Hathaway took his workmen jrom the Church, and contracted to do the Carpenter's work on the Mafons* Lodge, Hudfon, and performed it accordingly !— Peleg T hurfton continued active, until he collected from the. fubfcribers, and from the Rev; Mr. Gardiner, fufficient money to balance his account againft; the Church, and then left the State: James Hyatt, al- though he had received Two hundred and seventy- uine dollars more of the Rev. Mr. Gardiner, took back from the place where they were depofited, materials fufficient to nearly balance his ju§i account againft the Church, and left it and the M.inifter to feek affiftance elfewhere !— While thefe things were tranfacting, the He v. Mr. G. paid away all that remained of the Two Thoufand Dollars, to the neceffitous and honest work- men on faid Ltudfon Church. On March 5, 1797, the Minifter. called a meeting of the Wardens and Veftry .(lee pa^e 15); at which meeting a Committee was ap- pointed ; w ho reported, to an adjourned meeting, the following ftatement, viz. : Dr. ChrifJ-Church in account with fundry perfons,

To Nicholas Hathaway,			Dr.
John Pen n oyer,	£	i8oq	*5	z
Samuel Nichols,	Accounts
Peleg Thurflon,	rendered
Be v. Walter C. Gardiner,	> in
James Hyatt,	March 6,
John Powell,	1797.
William H. Ludlow,				-
Thomas Jenkins, &c.	i
By monies received by the cor	itra per-r		Cr.
fons,	£	1306	9	it
By amount of fubfcriptions, c	olieft-
ed and uncollected,		333	29	6
Bv ermrs in Accounts,		14	10	0
By Balance due*		345	*5	9
	i	i8jo	«
				Of

21

Of which fums it appears in the hand-writing of James. Hyatt, P. Thurfton, N. Hathaway, S. Nichols, and re- port of the Committee of Hudfori Church, that the Rev. W. C. Gardiner advanced Eight Hundred and Fifty Eight Pounds, Four Shillings, there being in the hands of the committee receipts to fhew the fame. And that the Be v. Mr. G. had alfo been debited with fundry monies amounting to Eighty Pounds 9s. 3d. which Mr. G. ac- knowledged. At the adjourned Meeting, (fee page 15) the Rev. Mr. G. was anxious to fubmit his account cur- rent from the 4th May *794, to March 12 1797, by which it appeared there was due him for Minifleriai Services for the above period, upward of Two Hundred Pounds, and for expenditures of money over and above what the Rev. Mr. Gardiner brought from New- York, upwards of One Hundred Pound, making £. 319 9s nd, due from the Wardens and Veflry, and from the acting com- mittee, to the faid Mr. W. C. Gardiner, but as it was an adjourned meeting, and fome of the principal mem- bers being abfent, u for fear ^they should commit them- selves" Mr. Gardiner's account was not patted. After this a general difguft prevailed in the parifli ; tjjm more cunning part of the Corporate Body kept out of the way ; the mean and mercenary had got their demands, and the honeft and poorer part of the Society fuffered with their unfortunate Minifier. — See page 17. Executions took place, and the Rev. Mr. Gardiner had to fell his library and furniture to difcharge the demands of the Creditors of Hudson Church, and debts 'occafioned by his endeavours to ferve the people of Hudfon, - \^

N 0 T E.

In the id Vol, of a " Twelve years experience and view of Men and Things." — .under the article Hudson, the author will prove that Doctor Gardiner was not the only clergyman materially injured and neglected by the people of that place. Anecdotes of the late Mr. Thompfon and Mr. Barney two pior.s and learned rnimfters of the Prefbyterian Church, with the treatment they received for their un~ wearied end gospel labors, while at Hudi'bn, as rtUltd by tkeai^lves and others, will fully this.

UnjJer the article Kew-York City zr\&Alvai\y, a few rnore^rciini- fiances as connected with the article Huclsc/n~v;i\\ be fairly rfitffa ed. ^tct&imttat standetk—tcte h€td lest fe -

TU

22

12

IOO

The Truflees, or Veftry and Wardens, of Chrift-Qinrch, Hudfon, in account with Walter G. Gardiner, Dr.

May 4, 1794, to May 4, 1795. To my demand for falary, agreeable )

to firfl year's fettlement, for every > £ 50 o &

other Sunday, j

To Cafh expended, in palling and )

repaffing the N orth-River, for their > 3 15 o

fakes, during the above period, J

1794/ O&ober 9, 19, to May 4> 1796. To my expences, in attending the E- }

pifcopal Convention at New- York, >

Packets, boarding-houfe's bill, &c \ To my demand for a year's falary,*^

agreeably to the fenfe of a Church- j

meeting, held June 25, 1795, and J>

recorded in their Records, pages j

24, 25, J

Sept. 27. To cafh paid the Rev.^

John C. Ogdon, for his expences

in coming from Troy, by requeft of \

my Church, to adminifler to them |

the Holy .Sacrament, I then being !

a Deacon, J

Oil, 17. 7 To my expences in jour- 1 24. 3 neying to Catt's-Kill,

Lonenburgh, Claverack, Kender-

hook & Albany, by horfe, and flage

to procure money on fubfcription,

for building a Church, To my expences twice to the city of

New- York, in the year 1795, to

procure monies for the Epifcopal

eftablifhment, Hudfon, and expen- ces there, while attending the Con- r

vention (being days lost from Me- dical bufmefe, then all my fupport,

although the time is not charged,

but only cash advanced, J

170&

4 6 B

3*

23

1796* To a wearifome attendance ^ in laying out the ground, and fu- | perintending the workmen on the | Church edifice, in the abfence and j by request of the ading Committee, { in the months of Aug. and Sept. and Oct. (very hot months !) to the lofs of time, property and health ! and accommodating the accounts and demands to the end of the year,.,

1796. To cafh paid Simeon Darien,^ I. Morgan, S. Coffin, Winflow Mc. Clean, Smith, Patterfon, Clarke, Row & Son, Carter, Robinfon, Vn. Heufen, Wells, Sharp, Scherma- horn/^3 12s.) Rn. Folger /^ 4) S. Nichols (8s.) Morrifon and N. Folgier ; amounting to

To a balance due Reuben Folgier,^) on church account, charged to me, 3

5 years intereft on the fame,

Ocl:. To my note given Henry ~) Schermahorn for Bricks, 3

Writ, judgment aud execution, on ^ me for the fame, all paid by my at- / torney E. Gilbert, and repaid by C me to him, *

To my note in the hands of MefTrs. 1 Reeds, for timber, &c. fold the > Church, by A. Mix, )

Five years intereft on the fame, at ? 8 per cent. 3

To calh paid John Pennoyer, as per ? receipts, 3

To money lent him on note, with") 6i years intereft ; the original fum j being £ 16. — Which money he i refufes to pay, he having a demand j againft Hudfon Church of three j times the fum, J

To calh paid Nichs. Hathaway, as per receipts,

40 o ©

96 2 6

4	IO	3
0	16	0
22	15	3
8	8	5
24	0	0
8	0	0
12	16	0

24 o o

206 5 o To

120 O 0

i 5 6

24

To cafli paid Samuel Nichols, as per ") r receipts, 5 & $l l2

To cam paid Peleg Thurfton, to- ^ wards his account againft the J ,■

church, agreeably to his own re- I 44

ceipts, f

To calh advanced him, to pay the "> Bank, 5

To cafh for rum and nails to church ? and workmen, ^

To cafh advanced Tames Hyatt, as 7 ,

J J > 24.2 10 O

per receipts, 5

To a year's falary, due from Eaftfrl

1796, to Eafter 1797, the period > 100 o o of my refignation, )

To intereft charged to me, in Auftin

and Nixon's accounts, for my dif- 326

ferent notes, and due-bills to them,

for months and days over thepunc- 122

tual time of payment, on account

of my orders to them, in behalf of ° 5 7

fundry workmen on Hudfon Church,

whichrefpe&iveintereftslhavepaid, on 6

To expences in attending the Kpif- )

copal Convention, by a vote of the > 8 ^o o

church, Ocl. 2, 1796, ^

To 1 1 days detention and expences at New-York, in getting Prieft or- ders ; it then being considered <?s- sential to Hudfon eflablifnment, 6 17 8

1797. ~) To cafh expences to New-

Feb. 3 York, while there on be- half of Hudfon Church, by the par- ticular requeft of the principals, 946

To my chaife, taken by execution, to discharge a debt of a creditor on Hudfon church, who held my note; the note being for .£ 7 7s. 6d. and the chaife worth £ 20, including the late repairs made. thereon, J 2 12 6

To

To ioo per cent lofs (including Fa- tigue, and fundry fmall caih ex- pences) in having my books and furniture feized and fold, to fatisfy Auftin and Nixon's Cash account againft ine, for paying my notes at Bank with intereft, balances of ex- ecution, &.c. &c. as per account of fales, and their final account current, Jan. 29, 1798, 105 10 3

1797. ") To my note given to Tho- 1

June. 3 mas Powers, for lime ad- > 22 16 8

vanced Hudfon Church, )

To five years and three months ? intereft on do. £ 9 3

To cam paid John Rowe h. Son, over and above what is already charged to them in my account, handed the Infpecting Committee, as afcertained in my final fettle- ment with A. k Nixon ; being mo- ney advanced them for work on Church, 760

£ 1388 18 7

To the intereft of the juft balance of £ 437 1 6s. 8d. due me fince July 1, 1797 — being five years and two months, from faid Hudfon Church : for the want of which money, vari- ous writs, and expences of intereft having been laid on me from time to time at 8 per cent, and upwards (3 per cent, intereft being deduct- ed for the occafional intereft men- tioned in feveral bills and items in the above itatement of accounts) — The intereft of £ 400, for 5 years, at 5 percent, being only charged, £ 100

£ 1488 1? 7

1794.

I 12

%6

Ct.

Aug* 21. 7 By cam handed me by 7 r

1794. 5 John Powell— Warden, 5 * Ix Xo °

1795. /By cafh from James Hy- 5 Jl fi April 21. 5 att, ^ 4 10 8 Sept. By do. handed me by John 1

Powell, ^

1796. 7 By do. received of Peleg Nov. 12. 3 Thurfton ; it being in )

part money he collected for me, in- C 2020

eluding his account at Bank, \

By do. received from John Powell, 5

20s. 24s. ^

By monies received on fubfeription )

paper, for building the Church, — > 54 16 9

in full, )

By amount oflime, plank andboards,

fold to fundry perfons, as per ac- count, delivered the Infpecting -

Committee, March 16, 1797, 25 12 6

By amount of Wm. PI. Ludlow,

Efq'rs. fubfeription towards my fa-

lary for 3 years, at £ 5 each year,

cancelledbyanoteheheldagainflme, 15 o o

By cam received from Meffrs. Fair- y

child, 12 s. Hewitt, 24s. Malcolm, > 380

16s. D. Cope, 8s. and Talman, 8s. )

£ *39 1 **

By money handed me, by his Lx- ^ cellency John Jay, towards the E- y 12 o o

pifcopal ellablifhment Hudfon,

£ J51 ■ IJ

By money brought from New- York, and expended in liquidating the debts of Chrift-Church, Hudfon ; which money, after my bond is cancelled, will be allowed to Hud- fon Church, 800

£ 95* 1 ir BalancedueW.Gardiner,Sept.r,j8o2, 537 l6 8

£ 1488 18 7

27

The above ftatement of my Dr. and Cr. account with Hudibn (which I aver to be juft) and for every charge I have either a receipt, or a voucher ; will no doubt create in the minds of fuch characters as compofe the Corpora- tion of Trinity Church, (men of honor andofbufmefs,) much concern and ailonifhment ; ccncern, that they have allowed themfe Ives to be fo long prejudiced aga'.nft a Presbyter of their Church, in a money matter, in the clearing up of which, he and they are mutually intereft- ed ; and aflemzjhment, that the laid Preffjyter fhould have taken fo patiently the " fpoiling of his goods ;" the hav- ing filched from him his good name ; and the endure- ment for fo many years of hearing his character, defigns and ufefulnefs, become a bye-word of reproach and ab- horrence, even among thole of his own ord r and of the profeflional part of the world, who polfefs meddling, fuper- iicial or designedly detractive tempers : but all this will be reconciled, when your worthy body are informed, that the late Rector of rludfon Church, did often appeal to you by letter, and oftentimes as far as New- York in perfon : but that he found the avenue, to your paternal bofoms clofed. At Hudfon, the machinations of a few in- dividuals and the diforganized Hate of the Fpifcopal Eftablifhment, in confequence thereof left me no imme- diate remedy : and in your city, for me the tide of fuc- cefsful petition and explanation was too much impeded by defign and tardinefs for my forlorn finances. 1 there- fore have waited under many diitrefTes, for the expira- tion of that period, when my bond given to you mould bring me properly before you ; and I have waited like a man, who although feeling the heavy hand of griping poverty — the poignancy of infulted honor — the fneering, though bafe conftruction of noble and manly motives : (perhaps too for the bell and molt innocent actions of his life) — yet never could be brought for a moment before the time, to accommodate his temper, or facred character, to any clerical hypocrite, infiduous upftart, or lhamelefs robber, of neglected virtue or infulted integrity ! — N or do I wifh you to underftand me as appealing to your Board for any thing but what is juftly due me. For diftrefled individuals I have borrowed and begged, and felt much of the stings and arrows of outrageous i?igrates.

D For

28

For fuch I have thought no facrifices of expence and fa- tigue too great. For myfelf and family, the fweat of my body and brains procures an ample fupport. — When fuch means fail, lihall look to no Church or Corporation for affiftance under Heaven. But to that Mailer who was made perfect thro' fufFering and who has well taught me what wages 1 am to expect from the World and from Hmv " In the Hiflory of my own Times," which I am preparing for the world, I mall fliow, That theEpif- copal Church in many towns and villages in thefe States have drunk deep of the fpirit of Antichrift,andarefar from the "good old way" Pride, rancour, cunning, avarice and innovation in thefe revolutionary times may fupportapoli- tical machine along while, but I will prove thzmtobzw ounds and bfuises and putrifying sores in any Ecclefiaftical Efta- blifhment; efpecially inthat branch of the Church of Jefus fome of whofe Priefts have boafted of fo much sterling god- liness, and practifed fo little ! In taking your pencil gen- tlemen, and minuting the items of my actual cafh expen- ditures for the Hudfon Eftablifhment, you will readily per- ceive that|the 2,000 dollars borrowed of you, have not been applied to my benefit on earth, whatever ultimate reward 1 may meet with in heaven. You will clearly difcover too, that upwards of Seventy Pounds is due to Powers, Folger, Reed, &c. for which I ftand refponfible. You will alfo find, that exclufive of the above £ 70 I confider myfelf injured to the amount of One Thousand Dollars \ in my labors for Hudfon Church. It would be infulting your humanity and your refources to repeat to you my inability ever to pay that £ 70. I leave it to be cancel- led by thofe who are able, and I expect a fenfe of honor and honefly, will induce fuch to releafe my notes and fend them to me. And I requeft you Gentlemen, to have a conference with me by your Committee, infpect my receipts and Vouchers, perufe the attefted records and certificates, and give me up my bond left with you in April 1797. When I confider gentlemen, that you have given liberally to feveral clergymen of our church, then refiding in the State of New-York, who by misfortune, by diftrefs, by duty or by age, became ob- jects of your munificence, what have I not a right to ex- pect from your juftice. For 3 years I was conftantly en- gaged

29

gaged in the fervice of the Epifcopal Church in the State of New- York. At Catts-Kill, Lonenburg, Batavia, New- Stanford and Hudfon, their records and the teftimony of the people will evince my facrifices, my zeal and my fatigue for the Church. The night, the feafon, or the diftance, never difcouraged me ; I bore my own expen- ces, preaebed my own sermons, and baptized and admin- iftered the Sacrament to hundreds ! young, hearty and active, cold, hunger and fatigue, foon found arecompence in the pleafure of aflifting Chriftians, and making profe- lytes to Chriflianity. At lail I condensed my minifterial duty to the City of Hudfon, and fpent all I could poihbly gain, by medical business and by domestic frugality, by borrowed money, by contributions or fubfcriptions to that ungrateful Society.

As I had made great and apparently fure calculations of the building being foon finiflied, I fell into the fnare laid forme by P. Thurfton, Hyatt and Hathaway ; for perceiving an end, as I thought, to my anxious and wea- rifome labors for the Society, very naturally felt refpon- fible for the honor of the eftablifhment, and gradually made myfelf accountable for the general accommoda- tion of the whole bufmefs. What a fad profpect was this for me, who had made it my fuperior pleafure and my duty, from the manner settled, to aid, to aflift and to edify them, to experience at once fuch a referve of con- dition ; at a time too, when my small salary lay unalked for, and while indefatigable in exhaufting every refource for their profperity and future happinefs.

When things went on well, I could not walk the ftreets or afcend the pulpit, without their fmiles, their praifes and benedictions ; as events turned I was left a prey to my own reflections, a victim to the mercenary and eva- five, and in u perils among false brethren" When I requefted you, Gentlemen to grant money to liquidate the debts of Hudfon Church, rather than for the purchafe of a Glebe-Houfe and Lot, for myfelf as Minifter : I was willing to overlook my own demands, nay to forget my- felf, in the ftrong defire of eftablifhing a Congregation of Churchmen : but I was moil egregiouily difappointed ; confiding in human nature with little circumfpe&ion, and in pursuing the shadow, Ijst the Substance f

May

3?

May God and his Chrift at the awful but neceflary judgement, reward all faithful Minifters, with the fight of their gofpel labors, and give to the voluptuous and ilothful the bare retrospect of the victims of their neglect and hard-heartednefs !

For one, whofe family and felf have naturally been in the habit of relieving the diftrefled ; whofe . manfion has been the receptacle of the fatherlefs, the flranger, and the Chrlflian pilgrim; whofe heart and talents (fuch as they are) have been devoted to religion and his native coun- try; now to entreat a liberal and wealthy Society, in New- York, to make up to him voluntarily ; what he mail other- wife demand of a branch of their Society, to make up to him necessarily ; is among thofe myfterious events to which human beings are connected, and who are from the imperious changes of life-occafionally the objects of poverty or meagre wretchednefs and want. As I never fued or diilreffed an individual in my life, much more a Society, permit me to repeat the urgency of my being an immediate object of your justice ; and among thofe mftances of Ministerial suffering, where pecuniary relief only can be ferviceable from the manner it is prefented and the specdiness of the application.

I befeech you, gentlemen, to believe me, when I af- fure that I am now waiting in your city, at confiderable expence, to have this matter decided, either by the law or the means you may point out — if infult is to be added to ingratitude, and former ill treatment to be renewed from Hudfon ; or if neglect and contumely await me from your quarter ; autcesar, aut nillus ; ismydefiiny! — We live in revolutionary times ! my part is to act, as well as to fuiTer ; and if I become the inftrument, under Ileaven, to develope individuals, forieties or fyflems, with whom I have been connected, to an aftonifhing woild — remember it is done to justify myself, and act the pari of a true historian. I therefore appeal to you, gentlemen, by all thofe powerful motives that actuate the faithful ilewards of money, originally given to be ap- propriated to the aid of fuffering Minifters and Congre- gations of our Church- -by thofe gieat — thofe good prin- ciples, that afFect the tender parent, the Chriftian, or good •citizen, that you delay not to return me my bond, and

make

3X

make good in fome ttieafure my pecuniary injuries for the advances and fervices while refiding at Hudfon.

With great respect— *1 am, your much injured, but faithful servant in Christy

WALTER C. GARDINER.

APPENDIX. Mr. Gardiner, having collected from fome refpe&a* ble confidential friends that his enemies had been in- duftrious in different parts of the U. States to make him out, as an Impoftor and excommunicate, as eccentric and vindictive, as mean and illiterate : and that he aflum- ed profeffions occafionally, as caprice or misfortunes dic- tated—thinks it his duty to fubjoin the following certi- ficates. They probably will cut off occafion from thofe who defire occafion to " wag the bead" of flander and " shoot out" the cowardly tongue of fly detraction.

No. i. From a Committee of the Pariih where he was

born. At theGlebe,Oct. 17th, 1790- Sir, HAVING been for too long a time without the bene- fit and afliftance of a Miniiler, to procraftinate any lon- ger our intentions to declare to you our unanimous and fincere wifhes. — In confequence of which we have con- vened at the Glebe of St. Paul's Church, on this twen- tieth Sunday after Trinity, and from our united good opinion of your character and abilities, together with the knowledge of your paft and continued deportment and application in the facred and worthy ftudy of divinity, have agreed to prefent you with thefe our candid fenti- ments and fervent requeft, viz. That you will (if agree- able to yourfelf) take the molt fpeedy meafures to facili- tate and expedite your Ordination, that you may, agree- ably to our wifhes, prefide over and take charge of St. Paul's Church in Narraganfet, and do whatever may by you be deemed confident towards the completion of this our defire.

We are, in behalf of the Parifh, yours, &c. John Gardiner, George Brown,

/Wm. R Robinson, S. Gardner, John Cole, Row. Brown,

Sam. Bkenton, Freberick Gardiner*

No. 2,

3* •

No. 2. — Medical. Ihls may certify, that Walter Clarke Gardiner, Physician, being about to remove from this State, has applied to us for such credentials as we think proper. WE therefore with much freedom can inform, that he -has ferveda regular term of years to the profeflion, and has been feveral years in the practice. From his general information, and good character, we can recommend him to the patronage and confidence of the Citizens, where- ever he may chufe to refide.

1 Jon. Easton, jun. Medical - Society, vIsaac Senter, M. D. ) Benjamin Mason. Newport, Nod. 4, 1793.

No. 3. — Clerical. BY the tenor of thefe Prefents, be it known unto all men, that We Samuel Pro vooft, by Divine permiffion Bifhop of the Proteftant Epifcopal Church, in the State of New-York, folemnly adminiftring Holy Orders under the Prote&ion of Almighty God, in St. Paul's Chapel, New- York, on Wednefday, the twenty- fixth day of Octo- ber, in the Year of our Lord One Thoufand Seven Hun- dred and Ninety-Six, did admit into the Holy Order of Priefts, our well beloved in Chrift, Walter Clarke Gardi- ner, of whofe virtuous and pious life, and converfation'and competent learning and knowledge in the holy Scrip- tures, we were well auured, and him the faid Walter Clarke Gardiner, did then and there rightly and canon-

ically ord?dn a pried, he having firfl in our prefence made,.: -the fubfeription required by the' general EcclefiafticatT -Conilitution.

In Witness whereof we have caused our Episcopal Seak,

to be hereunto affixed, dated the day and year above-wrhtm .and in. the tenth year, of our consecration.

SAMUEL PROVOOST.

No. 4. t— Local. WHEREAS the Rev. Walter Clarke Gardiner, hav- ingbeen unanimoufly elected the Rector of Chrift Church Dover, and difcharged the duties of his palloral office faithfully to the period of his refignation ; we hereby certify that we have a perfonal efteem for the faid Mr.

Gardiner,

33

Gardiner, do part with him with regret, and moft fmcere-

ly wifh him health and profperity.

Henry Mcllesicn, Warden. Thomas Rodney, John Vining,

John Brinckle, Vestrymen

William Warner, I of Simon W. Wilson, j ^Christ Cb'h John Clarke, Dover.

George Truitt, j

Charles Hillyard. J

In Convention, East on, June n, 1802. On motion — voted unanimously, THAT the thanks of this convention be prefented to Doftor Gardiner for his excellent Sermon, delivered, a- greeably to requeft, and that he be requefted to oblige the Convention with a copy for the Preis.

Attest, D. BALL, President. A. KEMP, Sec'y.

To all iv be m it may concern, greeting. THROUGH a negled of the Maryland Delegation to the laft General Convention, the Keverend Walter C. Gardiner's name was omitted in the Lift of regular officiating Clergymen of this State. I think it a duty incumbent on me, and with pleafure I do it, to declare that Dr. Walter C. Gardiner, has been regularly and permanently inducled into the Parifh of Coventry, of the County of Somerfett, State of Maryland ; that as a Min- ifter, and as a man, his general conducl has been regular, laudable, and highly acceptable ; the Epifcopal Church has, under his care and direction, acquired a confiftency and dignity hitherto unknown in the Parifh, and that a general diffufion of religious knowledge and a confequent amelioration of morals, appear to have flowed from his labours in the miniflry : and that his parifhioners are generally anxious for his return. My perfonal and in- timate acquaintance with him, and my vicinity to his parifh allow me to fpeak thus pofitivelv.

DAVID BALL, Rector of All- Hallows Parish, and President of the last

State Convention at Easton, Maryland. July 19, -1802.

f

£i>

V